NEIL BARTON MARBELLA

THE spanish SALON

NEIL BARTON IS A GOLDWELL INTERNATIONAL ARTIST AND OWNER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF TWO GLOBALLY AWARD-WINNING SALONS, NEIL BARTON HAIR IN EDINBURGH AND MARBELLA, SPAIN. HE TOLD US HOW HE APPROACHED INTERIOR DESIGN AND THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR MOVING YOUR BUSINESS ABROAD.

Neil is a multi-award-winner and international trainer. An expert in cutting and coloring, he ensures that the salon experience is relaxed and empowering for every client who walks through his doors in

OUR FURNITURE AND DESIGN HAVE HAD A MASSIVE IMPACT ON CLIENT EXPERIENCE. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T EVEN THINK OUR BUSINESS IS A SALON, WHICH I LOVE...”

“Opening a salon abroad with my partner meant we could share something incredible together.” Why Marbella? “Spain is one of the best countries in the world; year-round sunshine, great food, and endearing culture.” We wondered: are clientele desires and expectations different? He revealed: “Client expectations are so different to my salon in Edinburgh. Clients are more classic with their style and color choices. They’re also aware of what products you use. Vegan is the thing in Spain. It’s all about the best ingredients and high quality. We do a lot of color blow dries and treatments. Bond building, conditioning, keratins, and de-frizzing.”

Every client wants a treatment as an add-on to their service, Neil advised. “Men are really into their treatments, too. Hot towels, beard trims, massages, and waxing. They love the experience. The big difference for me is that in Edinburgh, I was always fully booked. Then I went to having no clients again, not speaking the language, and having to prove my skills. It was a lot, but you just have to take it one step at a time and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!” Do trends differ between countries? “Yes! The trends are totally different in Marbella – much more classic and elegant. Nobody has red hair or bright colors either! Blondes are warmer and not ash. There’s more underlying red pigment with their hair being so dark. We use browns on a 5,6,7 level with warmer tones on the ends. Really beautiful.”

The interior in Marbella reflects these classic, minimalist trends. The focus is luxe, yet homely; classy with an earthy color palette. “I wanted to be conscious of what material we use to promote the eco feel and respect for the environment. I wanted it warm and modern. “We were inspired by Spanish designer Carolina Gual. The shop was a lawyer’s office, so we spent seven months on the renovations. Carolina has designed a few salons for a product brand called Secreto del Agua . She did the whole salon from top to bottom.

“Our furniture and design have had a massive impact on client experience. A lot of people don’t even think our business is a salon, which I love. Our furniture was custom made, but we bought our basins and chairs from Comfortel, an Australian salon furniture company.”

As an International Artist for Goldwell, Neil said it’s easier to be versatile with service offerings because he has access to such amazing products. “I’m obsessed with everything Goldwell! The Colorance range will always be my favorite. It’s perfect for my Spanish clients because they’re into high quality and ethical products. This range is vegan and ammonia-free and the shine impresses all my clients – especially when adding that luxe sheen to their natural looks.” Find the salon on Instagram as @neilbartonmarbella •

Collins Zada Styling Vanity

The Zada Styling Vanity features an oversized stainless steel work surface. There are plenty of storage options to keep everything in it’s place, including a builtin tool holder that is perfect for holding your blow dryer and curling irons.

Collins Color Dispensary

This features both upper and lower storage cabinets with adjustable shelves, a smooth countertop ideal for supplies or retail product display, a full extension drawer, three color options for the metal drawer/cabinet pulls and a finished toe-kick for a custom look.

$1,495.00 // buyritebeauty.com